The Washington Gulch Road is usually passable by two-wheel drive vehicles for the first six miles. Although, when this road is wet it may become more difficult to navigate. The road starts relatively moderately gaining elevation, but begins to quickly gain elevation approximately six miles from Highway 135. The road follows Washington Gulch to the abandoned town of Elkton, which is considered the first settlement in the region. From Elkton Washington Gulch Road leads westward approximately two miles to intersect with the Slate River Road as it climbs Paradise Divide. This is a very scenic road. A good loop trip would be to combine this road and the Slate River Road.

Directions from Crested Butte: Travel north one and a half miles on Gothic Road to Washington Gulch Road.

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity

Remarks

On Site

Dispersed Camping

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Cross-country Skiing

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Automobile Travel

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

History

Elkton - abandoned mining community

Yes

Four-Wheel Driving

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Hiking & Walking

Washington Gulch Trail

Yes

Horseback Riding

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Mountain Biking

Washington Gulch Trail

Yes

Motorcycle Riding

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

ATV Riding

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Backcountry Skiing

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Snowmobiling

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Snowshoeing

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Viewing Scenery

Washington Gulch Road

Yes

Related Activities

Slate River Road #734 - This road follows Slate River and then continues to the White River National Forest.

Washington Gulch Trail - Washington Gulch Trail leads southeast from Gothic Road to Washington Gulch Road. This four and a half mile trail makes a short day hike if a car is available at each terminus.

Washington Gulch (winter) Trailhead - The Washington Gulch Winter Trailhead lies three and a half miles west of Highway 135 on Washington Gulch Road. This winter recreation site is used by many individuals pursuing many forms of winter recreation.